Maldives calls for immediate truce in Mideast

The Maldivian government has called for an immediate ceasefire to end the escalating conflict in the Mideast, the HaamaDaily reported on Sunday.

"The government calls on all parties to observe an immediate ceasefire, and urges the United Nations Security Council to intervene urgently in achieving a cessation of hostilities and to find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis, a statement issued by President Office said.

The current crisis was triggered by the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah militants on July 12.

The government of Maldives is deeply alarmed by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the newspaper report said quoting a statement from President's Office.

The government also condemned "disproportionate use of force by Israel, which is causing tremendous loss of innocent life and destruction of civilian infrastructure".